because they sought it not by faith, but by the works of the law, for they stumbled at that stumbling-stone;

as it is written, "Behold I lay in Sion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence:" and again, "Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed."

and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence. These stumble at the word through unbelief, unto which also they were appointed.